Clockwise from Top right: MLK addresses crowd from Lincoln Memorial 1963; Crowd gathered to hear MLK at Winnetka's Village Green; RMV Townhall event |
As we prepare to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we’re reminded of a powerful truth: democracy demands more than a vote—it requires our voices.
That’s why we’re relaunching our Letter to the Editor (LTE) Program this week. Writing to your local paper is one of the most effective ways to shape the conversation in your community and hold Missouri leadership accountable—especially when it’s timely and personal.
With MLK Day creating a natural news hook, now is the moment to speak up. To make it easy, we’ve refreshed our LTE templates and resources so you can submit a letter in just a few minutes. Below, you’ll find everything you need to get started—along with a few quick tips to help your letter stand out and get published.
Access our latest LTE templates HERE.
3 Quick Tips for a Winning Letter: - Keep it Brief: Most local papers have a limit of 150–200 words.
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The "Hook": Start by referencing a recent article or a specific local issue. Editors love timely responses!
- Make it Personal: You don’t need to be a policy expert. Simply explain how a specific issue affects you as a Missouri voter.
Don't let the noise of Missouri politicians drown out the will of the people. Let’s make sure our voices reach every corner of the state—from our neighbors to our representatives because, as Dr. King reminded us,
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” |
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We're Now on Nextdoor!
Stay connected by favoriting the Respect MO Voters Nextdoor page so you never miss an update. When you see our posts or events, please share them with your local feed. Your support helps the campaign reach more Missourians. Not on Nextdoor? We also have a public Facebook page you can follow. |
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The 2026 Legislative Assault Has Started |
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Missouri lawmakers are considering several bills this session that would substantially alter the state's initiative petition process. Following last year's HJR 3 - a radical proposal that would make citizen-led initiatives nearly impossible, new bills in 2026 like HB 1750, HJR 116, and HB 2124 propose additional restrictions including filing fees, word limits, and additional circulation rules.
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We won't let these attacks on citizen-led efforts intimidate us. We'll continue keeping an eye on these bills and standing up for the will of Missouri voters! |
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KSMU Ozarks Public Radio - Respect MO Voters holds town halls across the state, updates its signature gathering effort
-Michele Skalicky |
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News-Press Now - Campaign eyes ballot measure to prevent Missouri lawmakers from changing voter-approved initiatives - Cameron Montemayor
Branson Tri-Lake News (Paywall) - Letter to the Editor - April Hicks (avoid the paywall and view the original letter HERE) |
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Are you good at welcoming people and helping them find their place? As a Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator, you'll connect with new volunteers and guide them into meaningful roles. LEARN MORE |
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Are you organized and comfortable asking for support when it matters? We’re looking for Regional Fundraising Coordinators to help build local fundraising efforts that keep the campaign moving. LEARN MORE
Are you steady, reliable, and good at supporting others? Lead small teams of signature gatherers and keep things organized, supported, and on track as a Field Captain. LEARN MORE
Are you confident explaining processes and helping others feel prepared? As a Field Training Lead, you'll create, support and deliver field trainings with clarity and care. LEARN MORE |
Looking for ways to do more?
Click HERE to raise your hand to volunteer or reach out to [email protected]
Not sure where to get started?
We can help find the right role for you! Join an orientation call. REGISTER NOW |
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Learn about the Initiative Petition process in MO, ask any questions you may have, and stay for an optional volunteer training-- or stop by to sign the petition. Once you've attended the training, you'll leave with petitions and the knowledge and tools you need to start gathering signatures. More town halls across the state coming soon!
Have you already signed and started volunteering with us? Help us grow our ranks by using our outreach toolkit to spread the word about our town halls! |
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Tuesday: Jan 20 6-8pm Hexagon Alley 111 S 9th Street, Ste 10 Columbia, MO 65201 |
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Springfield Fundraiser Tuesday: Jan 20 5:30-7:30pm
Stardust Ballroom 305 W Walnut Lawn St.,
Springfield, MO 65807 Special Guests: Crystal Quade |
| Kansas City Fundraiser Thursday: Jan 22 5:30-7pm
The Ship 1221 Union Ave
Kansas City, MO 64101 Special Guests: Crystal Quade |
| St. Louis Fundraiser Wednesday, Feb 4 6:30-8:30pm
The Lodge at Des Peres 1050 Des Peres Rd. Des Peres, MO 63131 Special Guests: Crystal Quade & Jill Schupp |
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Missouri 2026 Voting Rights Lobby Day |
Tuesday: February 3
9:30am-2:30pm Missouri State Capitol |
Become more involved in advocating for democracy! Respect Missouri Voters will be one of the hosts of a non-partisan Lobby Day at the Missouri State Capitol. Engage with advocates from across the state to call on lawmakers to ensure voting is accessible to Missourians and uphold the citizen initiative process. You'll meet with your legislators and understand what's at stake for voting rights in our state. SIGN UP
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❄️ Winter Merch Still Available! ❄️ |
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As the Regional Field Director for the Northeast Region and a signature gatherer, Darleen Hainline has been a strong advocate for her field captains and citizens in her region. She started volunteering with Respect MO Voters 9 months ago to make sure citizens have a chance to have their voices heard, even when politicians try to stop them. She believes everyone needs to do what they can to protect our voices and the Constitution. When she's not volunteering, she likes to travel and spend time with her grandchildren. Her advice for signature gathering is the same as her advice for life: “Go with a friend, and never give up."
Thank you, Darleen! |
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| Respect MO Voters is a cross-partisan, grassroots movement building a more ethical, effective government of, by, and for the people. Join our coalition to protect direct democracy from politicians who want to take away our fundamental freedom to self-government.
Together, we will use the citizen ballot initiative process to repair our republic. |
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Paid for by Respect Missouri Voters PAC, Frederic Steinbach, Treasurer
725 Kingsland Ave., Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63130
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